Pitru Paksha 2023: Date, significance and all you need to know about Shradh Paksha

As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that the souls of the deceased ancestors of up to three generations reside in Pitru Loka, which is the realm between heaven and the earth. It is believed that when a person from the next generation dies, the previous generation is taken to heaven bringing them closer to God. Only the last three generations in Pitru Loka are offered the Shradh rites.

Pitru Paksha is an auspicious time of the year to perform Tarpan, Shradh and Pind Daan for the forefathers. Those who perform the Shradh rituals make the dough by mixing water with white flour, black sesame seeds, barley, and kusha grass, and offer the Tarpan to their ancestors. It is believed that the deceased ancestors were pleased with Tarpan and showered their blessings.

It is widely believed that donating food items to Brahmins actually satisfies the ancestors and contributes to completing the puja.

It is believed that the deceased ancestors come in the form of crows on earth in search of food and water and feeding those crows is valued equivalently to feeding the forefathers.

On the other hand, ants are also offered food items, especially sugar and jaggery. The ants are considered to be the “fire” element.

Apart from ants and crows, dogs are also fed during the Pitru Paksha as they are believed to guard the doors of heaven. The dogs denote the “water” element.

According to Hindu beliefs, cows are also offered food during these auspicious days to satisfy the “earth” element.